Articles: burns.
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Mice used in biomedical research are typically housed at ambient temperatures (22-24 °C) below thermoneutrality (26-31 °C). This chronic cold stress triggers a hypermetabolic response that may limit the utility of mice in modeling hypermetabolism in response to burns. To evaluate the effect of housing temperature on burn-induced hypermetabolism, mice were randomly assigned to receive sham, small, or large scald burns. ⋯ Locomotion was significantly reduced in mice with large burns compared to sham and small burn groups, irrespective of sex or housing temperature (P < 0.05). Housing at 30 °C revealed sexual dimorphism in terms of the impact of burns on body mass and composition, where males with large burns displayed marked cachexia, whereas females did not. Collectively, this study demonstrates a sex-dependent role for housing temperature in influencing energetics and body composition in a rodent model of burn trauma.
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Burns carries a high risk of severe physical damage, prolonged recovery, and mental health implications for both patients and their caregivers. While distress among caregivers of burn patients has been studied, less attention has been given to potential positive psychological changes. This study focuses on the prevalence, temporal dynamics, and predictors of posttraumatic growth (PTG) among caregivers. ⋯ This is the first study of burn injury caregiver PTG. The study indicates caregivers of burn patients may undergo positive psychological transformation. Variations in predictive factors necessitate validation through longitudinal research. The dynamic interplay of psychological outcomes between patients and caregivers requires further exploration.
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Community-level disadvantage is associated with reduced quality of life after burn injury. We evaluated the association between community-level disadvantage and return to work after burn injury. ⋯ Patients from the highest distress communities have twice the odds of unemployment 6 months after injury. This association did not vary by race. Screening for DCI by ZIP code may be a useful tool to focus vocational rehabilitation resources.
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Pediatric burn injuries are often associated with significant morbidity, and require specialized care. The primary advantage of Wireless Micro Current Stimulation (WMCS) is the ability to deliver electric current without direct contact with the wound, which is particularly advantageous in the pediatric population and in those with wounds over multiple areas or over sensitive regions. ⋯ Our study shows statistically significant improvement in healing time with WMCS therapy, despite a two times higher average TBSA% in the WMCS group.